Another fantastic Santa Claus Parade in downtown Whitecourt thanks to the Chamber of Commerce

 

The Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce held its annual Santa Claus Parade in the downtown core on Friday, November 30. The mild evening was a big hit for spectators as they lined the streets by the thousands in anticipation of the light show headed their way. Starting off as usual by the entrance to Rotary Park, the floats slowly made their way towards the 4-way stop by the Registries office. Along the entire route the sidewalks were packed full of excited children and parents.

The honks and lights of the RCMP truck let everyone know that the parade was underway. This year the truck featured Christmas trees and the Grinch. As each float came and went, participants on foot spread goodwill to spectators and gave out a lot of candy. Shouts of “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” could be heard throughout the route as everyone wished each other a fantastic Christmas season.

Roughly 32 floats were registered to take part, but a bunch joined in last minute and added to the fun. The parade was long enough that by the time it had snaked its way through the route, the end of it was still in sight as the beginning turned the corner at the town office. In the Legion’s back parking lot there was a roaring fire to keep warm by and hot chocolate to enjoy, too.

Each float was creatively put together for maximum fun. Some of the favourites included Remax with its gingerbread house and addictive music that kept everybody bouncing, Woodlands County with a lit-up grader pulling a trailer of characters behind it, the Whitecourt Fire Department with both its oldest and newest engines, Primerica’s patriotic display, Inland Concrete’s always popular cement mixer, a group of superbly decorated off-road vehicles, Trapper’s Auto Parts & Towing’s heavily-decorated piggy back float, a snowmaker from Eastlink featuring huge snowflakes, Fortis Alberta’s train set that included Santa’s workshop and, of course, the big man himself on the final float of the night thanks to Millar Western.

Congratulations to the Chamber of Commerce, all organizers, and float creators on another fantastic Santa Claus Parade in downtown Whitecourt. The young and young at heart thank you for a wonderful Friday evening filled with community spirit and good tidings. For those who missed out on the festivities be sure to check out the Whitecourt Press Facebook page as we recorded the entire parade for your viewing pleasure.